Rip Grip LSD Insert

[BoostdDSM]

Im purchasing a new transmission over winter from TRE. I'm looking at all the upgrade options they have for the Stage 2 transmissions and i will be doing double syncros for all gears except 4th for some reason. Is there a reason they dont offer it for 4th gear or maybe they do but just do have it on there website? Im not too knowlegdable with transmissions if someone could explain that would be great. But back to the topic, one of the upgrades is a Rip Grip LSD insert for $85. Im just wondering if this would be a reasonably good idea to get since i own a GST and already have wheel spin alot through 1st. Ive heard they break, or dont do much? Any opinions?

 

[jjrock5]

Let me put it to you this way. I called John up at TRE to get some info on ordering the insert when I had my 2g GST.

We talked for about 30 mins about trannys and the insert. By the end, the guy ended up convincing me to NOT get the insert.

He ACTUALLY said this wasn't what I was looking for if I was looking for a semi lsd because there is NO semi LSD. It's either go big or go home. By that I mean by the real thing, the ~$800 LSDs.

I appreciate his honesty because others would fill your head with nonsense just so you buy an inefficient product...

 

[BoostdDSM]

i kinda figured that it wouldn't really do that much considering its really cheap i just don't have 1200 bucks to buy the qualfie LSD. maybe in the future but maybe I'll just skip the insert and save up to get the "real" LSD later in the future. why the hell didn't Mitsubishi put LSD in the GST's stock!?!?! than it would be sooo much easier. and traction wouldn't be such an issue on the GST's.

 

[99gst_racer]

The LSD insets do work like their designed to, but the issue is strength. Wheel hop will eventually kill the gears on the stock diff whether it has the insert installed or not. The Quaife and Kaaz units are much stronger and will hold up to abuse better than the "factory diff + inset" combo.

When I was FWD, I opted for the Quaife. Although it was difficult to stomach the price, I absolutely loved it and never had an issue with it.

 

[jjgrizz73]

I too was looking at the Rip Grip for my AWD trans build. Without the wheel hop of the FWD, would it be better than just running the open diff. I will eventually throw a Quaife in but right now its tough enough getting 1600-1800$ for the trans...

 

[BoostdDSM]

so the Quaife and Kaaz LSD's actually replace the stock diff? like i said i dont know to much about transmissions and what/how the work entirely... and would $85 dollars be worth getting the insert or not? i will be buying a rebuilt transmission from TRE and i would believe that the transmission would be able to handle the extra stress from the racing around i do on it and the few times that i might take it to the strip during the summer. i am just worried about the insert breaking inside the transmission and screwing something up.

basically is it worth the $85 dollars to get the Rip Grip Insert from TRE installed on my new stage 2 transmission when i send mine to them to get rebuilt?

 

[romeen]

As Paul mentioned, the inserts do work (to a degree) but you are better off spending the extra for a conventional LSD. In addition to the Kaaz and the Quaife units you can also consider the Wavetrac. It is relatively new so there isn't a whole lot of guys with results but the few who have tried it (that I'm aware of) seem to like it.

http://www.wavetrac.net/technical.htm

BTW, I have a Phantom Grip insert which is essentially the same as the Rip Grip. I have had it since 2004 without any problems. But take that FWIW. I recall reading a post from Jack (Jack's transmissions) where he mentioned having seen severe damage from the insert.

Frankly, my solid front/rear motor mounts did more to improve traction and eliminate wheel hop than the insert did.

 

[BoostdDSM]

well i do have the solid front/rear motor mounts but i still spin in first. I'm just looking at all options to improve traction and try to solve this. i do have Eibach Sportline springs with KYB AGX struts. the struts are adjustable but i haven't really touched them since i bought the car. i have heard of people changing the settings and noticing a difference but what do i change them too. and I'm not even sure how to adjust the front. but i wouldn't be getting the true LSD for awhile so in your opinion is it worth it at all?

 

[snowborder714]

I e-mailed all the major transmission guys out there and they recommended doing it right the first time - get a true LSD. I had people either recommend the Quaife or the Wavetrac (because of price). They both have a great warranty on them and either one should do the job well.

 

[romeen]

It's hard to say only because the incidence of resultant damage seems to be hit and miss. The results are quite good for the money spent. If a true LSD is out of the question anytime soon then based on my own results I would lean towards getting it while you have this opportunity.

Also keep in mind that I do not race and rarely do any hard launches. This may be why mine has served me so well.

FWIW, I have actually had mine installed since 2002 (not 2004 as I said earlier). I had the tranny "refreshed" in 2004. The synchros were worn but there was no apparent damage resulting from the insert.

 

[snowborder714]

Also keep in mind that I do not race and rarely do any hard launches. This may be why mine has served me so well.

I'd be willing to bet this has a lot to do with why it's still in one piece.

 

[black_gst]

i have not had one of these on my car but for $85 and a little better traction i dont see how you could go wrong especially if you not putting down 300+ hp

 

[romeen]

I'd be willing to bet this has a lot to do with why it's still in one piece.

Agreed.


OP, also consider the expense of a new Stage 2 TRE tranny. Do you really want to take a gamble with it? I don't want to sound like I'm contradicting myself but you're situation is a bit different than mine was when I made the decision to get the insert.

Last thing I'll say is that the Wavetrac is definitely in the plans for me.

 

[twicks69]

On a FWD transmission, I would strongly recommend a real LSD such as a Wavetrac or Quaife LSD Front differential over a RipGrip LSD insert anyday. They can be used in AWD transmissions with good luck, but it is still a budget part that can go wrong as it puts alot of stress on the front diff spider gears.

I would also strongly recommend a new intermediate shaft in the rebuild.

As well, a double synchro 3rd gear is not really necessary. I like double synchro for 1st and 2nd personally.


Good luck with your rebuild, you also have a PM.

Thanks,